HFA County League Enters It's Closing Stages
With the County Cup Finals now well underway, the football season is officially nearing it’s conclusion, but there is still plenty to play for in the HFA County League.
Premier Division
In the Premier Division, reigning champions Wellington Reserves have done all they can and, with no games remaining, have to sit and wait. They remain top of the table with 54pts – 4 shy of their total last campaign – but Clee Hill United only need to win one of their remaining four matches to clinch the title. Clee Hill have had a fantastic debut campaign in the Herefordshire League, thanks in no small part to the 46 goal contribution of top scorer Josh Carpenter, and will be looking to finish in style. Their remaining fixtures see them up against both Tenbury outfits, Kingstone Rovers and Kington Town. At the opposite end of the table Kington Town have four games left to try and pick themselves up off bottom of the league.
Ledbury Town, who have continued their improvement from an 11th place finish two seasons ago, look set to finish 3rd with only Westfields Reserves capable of catching them. Their league position coupled with the upcoming Charity Bowl final against Holme Lacy contribute to a successful season for the club. Curtis Williams, Joe Bullock (Ledbury Town) and Steve Cuss (Holme Lacy) have all made a leading 24 appearances this season, and lifting the Bowl on Saturday would be fitting reward for their commitment.
Division 1
Ludlow Town Colts are top of Division 1, a position they have held for almost the entire season, and need just 4pts to guarantee the league title. They have already picked up the Junior Cup on Wednesday night and, with Clee Hill also performing well, it has been a successful season for the teams from Shropshire.
Shobdon, who play Ludlow Town twice, remain the best placed team to overhaul them but it would take a dramatic change in Ludlow’s form for them to be knocked off top spot. The Dons, who came up from Division 2 last season, will be looking over their shoulder with Hinton Reserves, Wellington Colts and Ross Jrs all ready to take 2nd place if they slip up in their final fixtures.
Ewyas Harold Reserves, who didn’t pick up a point until the start of March, have now collected 7pts from their past 5 games and look like they will finish a difficult season strongly.
Division 2
Division 2 has been a three-way fight for the title between Lads Club Colts, Dore Valley and Civil Service for the majority of the campaign. A recent spate of bad form for “The Service” has opened up a gap for the top two and it now looks to be a two horse race. Dore Valley host Lads Club Colts on Tuesday 16th which is sure to be seen by both teams as a crucial title decider. A win for Lads Club Colts would guarantee them the title but if they lose the league is in Dore Valley’s hands entering their final games. Tyler Davies of Dore Valley leads the scoring charts in Div 2 (27 goals), with Jack Gough (Civil Service) in second with a remarkable 26 goals from just 13 appearances.
Sunday
The Sunday League has been wrapped up after Leominster outfit The Lion brought home the title with an impressive 45pts from an available 48. Colwall Wanderers lifted the Sunday Cup after beating 10-man Credenhill Rangers in the final. It was Credenhills Kiko Azzam who finished top of the scoring charts with 29 goals, 8 ahead of Ryan Botwood (The Lion).
We are already accepting applications for new Saturday and Sunday Clubs as we continue to grow the adult 11v11 game in Herefordshire. If you are interested in entering a new team next season; or are a player looking for a club please get in touch!